Welcome to the first of the new newsletters. We are working hard to highlight the achievements of our students within a day or two of the event or accomplishment happening. You can see these updates on our Facebook page and website. This newsletter is an accumulation of articles written in the last month, so if you have been keeping up to date with our news through our online platforms, the articles in this newsletter match those published online.

I want to start by acknowledging the spirit of our community at last night's Lip Sync. Our students perform with such creativity and energy. Our community supports and encourages Lip Sync in all its facets, and it is an absolute joy to sit back and watch it unfold. I want to thank Nathan Clarke and Abbi Murdoch, our two arts captains, for their excellent organisation and professionalism in hosting this event. You were both excellent last night. Once again, shows like this would not be possible without the talent and support of Isaac Ryall and Chris Clarke. Thank you to you both.

I want to congratulate our elected board members. Hamish Johnson - Presiding Member (Board Chair), Scott Harris, Jo Hurst, Helen Johnson and Colin Jordan. I have already been impressed with this team's wealth of knowledge, and I look forward to working closely with them.

We farewelled two long-serving board members, Andrew Anderson (Presiding member) and Alistair Hay, last week. Both men have made significant contributions to Mackenzie College, and we are very grateful for the input and time they have given our College over many years.

Today is Bernie Corder's final day at Mackenzie College. Bernie has been a teacher aide with us for 31 years. She has touched the lives and impacted the future outcomes of so many students. When I reflect on Bernie's role here at Mackenzie College, it is the love, care, time and compassion that she gives every one of her students she works with that has been an honour to witness. We will miss you greatly, Bernie. Enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

This newsletter is full of the incredible successes of our students and the opportunities on offer at Mackenzie College. Please take the time to revisit what we have been doing. Again, we should not take for granted what opportunities this small rural school provides the students of Mackenzie. I am incredibly proud of who we are and the direction that we are tracking.

With one term under my belt as Principal, I must say that returning to lead this school has been the best decision. I am surrounded by the most incredible kids, dedicated staff and a community that is wholeheartedly invested in the success of this school. For that, I am grateful.

Ahakoa he iti he pounamu - Although it is small, it is a treasure.

Sam Nelson

Tumuaki/Principal

THOMAS CRAWFORD REPRESENTS NEW ZEALAND